People with HIV are living longer than ever before. Some experts claim that someone diagnosed with HIV today, who has access to treatments and care, can expect to live a relatively normal lifespan. Increasingly, HIV is now considered to be a chronic manageable health condition, rather than a terminal illness.

Twenty years ago such a prognosis was beyond our wildest dreams. Significant contributions have come from the availability of quality medical care, the availability of effective support, as well as ongoing research and developments in HIV treatment especially HAART (Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy). Possibly the most important factor in the successful fight against HIV has been the ongoing community response to the epidemic.

Whilst the recent era of the epidemic has seen significant advancement, researchers are discovering new health issues as we age, just as there are for other people growing older with many other chronic health issues.

In recent years doctors and researchers have been observing a range of health issues in people with HIV that would normally be seen in people much older. For example, someone in their fifties may have similar symptoms of heart disease as someone from the general population in their seventies. The early or premature development of related health issues also applies to other chronic health issues.

The questions that people with HIV, clinicians and researchers are now asking are:

‘What contributes to the development of these health issues;
and what effective prevention and treatment strategies are available?

Over the coming months, ACON will continue to develop this section of our website to help people with HIV better understand the various health issues related to living longer and ageing with HIV, as well as how to identify, prevent and treat them. ACON has previously contributed to the content of a recently published resource:

‘Ahead of time: A practical guide to growing older with HIV' (PDF)

It is important to note that having HIV doesn't necessarily result in premature ageing, or acquiring health issues we often refer to as ‘getting old'. With quality medical care, information, support, healthy lifestyle and nutrition choices, all people with HIV can optimise their health, happiness and quality of life long into the future.

Further Information

Whilst ACON continues to compile further information, you might like to refer to the resources listed below for further information:

Web: ‘Top tips for living well with HIV'

Web: ‘Growing older: living longer with HIV'

NAPWA's Positive Living magazine devoted to the issue of living longer with HIV entitled, ‘To the Future'. Please follow this link to other related resources that you may find helpful.

Contacts

If you would like to speak with someone about ‘HIV and Ageing' you can contact:

Contact: Jae Condon, Treatments and Client Support Officer, HIV Wellness Program, ACON
Tel: 02 9206 2139
Toll Free: 1800 063 060
Email: jcondon@acon.org.au

Or

Conatct: Neil McKellar Stewart, HIV Health Promotion Officer, ACON Northern Rivers
Tel: 02 6622 1555
Email: nmckellarstewart@acon.org.au